The Color of Blood is Red not Purple

[Taley]

Concistoro dell'Impero

"Gentlemen shall I remind you that we are in Consistory!" The words echoed off the stone walls of the ancient room. This room was a conundrum for its purposes, where large oak chairs stood in a row on either side of the room with an large ornate chair at its head. There was no table, but an open space lite by hanging chandeliers. It was a room of a medieval council of the king without much change and now it served as the meeting space of the ministers of government for a modern state.

The constant arguing of the past hour ceased as everyone looked to where the words came from.

"In this room we are the lords of this empire and now here you all are squabbling over one man. One man who hasn't even been given power yet." The voice was that of Renato Scala, Secretary of Domestic Affairs. He stood from his chair and stepped into the center of the room. "Does he really think he can change anything. He's not prefect yet. The tenets of power in this empire is ours." he said holding a fist to his chest.

Uproar erupted from the ministers assembled.

"Secretary Scala." The talk died down. "My lord Secretary do you sincerely believe that we can prevail in this count. Soon he will accomplish what you have said is impossible. How can we trust your judgment now?"

"Secretary Questi, what would a woman know of politics that men play." Scala said with a dismissive wave of his hand as he retook his seat on the opposing side of the room.

Then Ottavia Questi, the Secretary of Commerce, stood and stepped to the center of the room. She stopped and looked toward Scala. "We women, Renato, know very well the games men play as it is we, weak women, that pick up the pieces of the world when you have shattered them." She turned to the other ministers in the room. "My humble lords, we are at a cross roads in our time. The people have sent a dangerous man to high office. He will use that office to undo us. The Senate will be his tiger and we the sheep." She turned back to Scala and pointed in his direction, "Mark my words my lords that he will not stop until this nation burns."

The room burst with cheers and jeers and went back to the back and forth arguments that had plagued this meeting of the Consistory.

What wasn't notice among the shouting and yelling, however, were the strained glances going among the power players of the room. While the lower ministers argued over the new threat to the nation, Admiral Fabian Merici, Secretary of War, and Julian Lapin, Secretary of Inteligence, exchanged worried looks with Vice Chancellor Carmine Gavallo. Merici knew a fight was coming either political or militarily and with an uncertain enemy. A heavy sword hung over his head as he remembered how he got his job with the execution of his predecessor General Laconi for the failed war in Jurzan. But it was not Merici who wore the most stressed look for that belonged to the Chancellor, Bishop Alexis Florioli, who sat at the head of the room in the ornate chair.

The talk had droned on and they were getting no where. Florioli banged his clerical staff singling that the debate was over. "For the time being we can do nothing. We must see how this count plays out. Until then we wait. This meeting of the consistory is adjourned."

With that the room emptied. Florioli was left with Merici, Lapin, and Gavallo. "Bishop I have a very bad feeling about this man."

"I am worried as well Carmine, but our hands are tied. If he wins we must neutralize him in the Senate." responded Alexis.

"I'm sure the Senate will side with us because they will be in similar peril."

Florioli nodded his head in agreement. "We can only pray Fabian. We can only Pray."

 

[Taley]

Chancellor's Office

The best thing about Talemaniki was its closeness to the sea. The emperors of old knew exactly how to build palaces. And build palaces they did. The Grande Palazzo di Talemaniki was not a true palace but a complex of palaces each with its own function and in the Blachernae Palace, home of the emperor, stood at the center of the complex. The walkways and courtyards between the buildings were cover with gardens and terraces of various plants and flowers. It was truly a beautiful scene that the Imperial Government was set. But for Alexi Florioli it was the smell of the sea. He thanked God every day that the Chancellery was located atop the rocky beach along the sea line. He often left the terrace doors open to allow the sea air to blow into his office while he worked.

Now Bishop Florioli stood on the balcony terrace that over looked the ocean. His future was a turbulent as the sea was today.

“You, your grace, look as if you need a drink.”

Alexis turned to see Prince Horace offering him a glass of wine in a crystal class.

“Thanks your highness.”

Horace smiled as the two used formal addresses. Since Horace became Caesar the two had gotten much closer as the friendship between the future Emperor and the Chancellor flourished. Horace turned his back to the sea, leaned against the railing, and with wine in hand crossed his arms.

“So Alexis, what is your scenario with this development?”

“Well Horace, my people so far believe we will lose the count. The Senate is the ultimate authority in our country, not even your grandfather can over turn them. Soon it will be a fight over control of them. The winner will be able to decide our destiny.”

“So it comes down to who can make the most promises and the most bribes, just like the good old days of our ancestors.”

A smirk crossed the bishop’s face. “Well it’s more complicated than that, but yes.”

“Well my gentlemen it will take more than bribes and promises for us to sell our souls.” A voice said with a chuckle coming from inside the office. Soon Senator Marcello Patriarco, the Chairman of the Senate Executive Committee and the most senior Senator, walked out onto the terrace with a newly filled glass of wine.

“Is that so Senator?” asked the prince.

“Yes.” The Senators said with a smile as he took a sip of wine. With that the prince and bishop broke into a small laughter, soon joined in by the Senator. “The senate shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Even if it does there are ways around it which we can use later if need be.” Senator Patriarco was the resident legal scholar among the current gathering. “But good sirs you will need to be constant focus when they are in power. One distraction or scandal will have them pouncing to exploit the opportunities caused by your lack of focus.”

“God I certainly could do without a scandal. First was that war, then the election. There is the matter of your brother in Trier.” Alexis said pointing to Horace. “We’ve been censoring the news and web trying to prevent as much of it as possible, but its slowly seeping through and when we can’t hold back the floodgates forever and I know the reaction can’t be good.”

“Leave it alone Alexis, my brother is young and away in another country. He’ll have no effect here.”

“And there is also the matter of you finding a wife. We can no longer have our heir gallivanting around the city from one nightclub to nightclub, from one bed to another.”

“Chancellor, I can manage my own love life.” Horace finished his wine, “and perhaps the two of you should focus more and preventing this devil from bringing down our empire.” With those words said the prince left the Chancellor’s office.

“Rule number one on how not to piss off a royal Alexis. Don’t tell them they can’t bed whomever they wish.”

“Well Marcello, if he doesn’t get his act together we are all doomed.”

“Eh, at least the wine is good”

 

[Taley]

Consul​

Ufficio del Console

"Consul Bassano you're needed." an aid said holding a big file in his hands.

"Well gentlemen please excuse me." Antonio Bassano left the ornate office of the Prefect of Talemaniki and Consul of the Empire. Today was the special transition meeting between the outgoing prefect and the incoming Ruberto Morbidelli. The two men left in the office waited for the door to completely shut before speaking.

"This feels great," Ruberto said as he lowered himself into the large leather chair behind the Consul's desk, "to finally be vindicated after all these years. We have achieved the unachievable; we can now decide our nations future Efisio."

"Ruberto don't get ahead of yourself." Efisio Ponti was Ruberto's closest friend and confidant. Without Efisio's help, and money, his election would never have happened. "A lot can happen between now and when your consecration."

"What can happen between now and tomorrow?" Morbidelli said shrugging off the comment. "I won and there is nothing those bastards can do about it."

"Just be careful Ruberto. Its not over yet, we've got a lot of work to do."

"Non rovinare questo momento Efisio."*

*Don't ruin this moment Efisio.

 

[Taley]

Plebeian​

Suite 1934
Zaviatti Hotel
Talemaniki

"Tuo padre sarebbe stato così orgoglioso di te."*

"Grazie, mio caro Susetta."**

Gasparo looked in the mirror as his wife straightened his blue tie. She was always a perfectionist and it was one of the tings he loved about her. However, today she was even more nervous.

Susetta left and went out into the living room of the suite. Gasparo once again looked at himself in the mirror. He wore a black suit, it was his most expensive one that he didn't where very often. Today was the opening of the Senate and it would be Gasparo's first time in the Senate.

Gasparo Geccerelli was the newly elected Prefect of Frosinone and because of that office he was one of the 30 elected senators. Frosinone was not a large city like many of the other cities that elected a senator. Frosinone was a small city of no more than 50 thousand people, but it is home to a large military base on the outer islands since the crusades centuries ago. Gasparo was a small business owner in the tourism industry in Frosinone before running for Prefect of the city. He replaced the retiring prefect and was supported by the Imperial Party against the socialists. Now he was staying in the hotel suite, almost a small condo, that his city paid for for him to use while he was acting as Senator for his city.

"Io quasi non riuscivo a trovarlo."*** Susetta said entering the room. She was carrying a small toga. It was far from the togas one would see in a history book or documentary, but it was a smaller form that was left over from the ancient world. Now the dress were only a tradtion worn only on special ceremonies. Gasparo’s toga was mostly white with five stripes along the outer edge alternating purple and scarlet. Susetta drapped the toga over his left shoulder then down his back, under his right arm and across his chest and back over his left shoulder. She then fastened the toga where both ends crossed over his shoulder with an ornate epaulet.

They hugged and Gasparo went down to the car that would take him to the Senate.

*"Your Father would be so proud of you"
**"Thank you, my darling Susetta."
***"I almost couldn't find it"

 

[Taley]

Patrician​

Senato Imperiale

Senator Marcello Patriarco was one of the most powerful commanders in the empire. Instead of armor he wore a toga, instead of a gun his weapon were words, and instead of fighting on the battlefield this chamber was his battlefield. He had been in the senate since the 50s and was one of Waylon X's first appointments to the senate after Marcello's father died.

Now as he walked in with his toga baring a single purple stripe three inches in width, he couldn't stand what was going to happen today. They were going to install a man, who would seek to destroy the everything around them, as Consul. Now all the senators slowly walked into the ancient chamber and took their seats on the old engraved wooden benches with satin cushions along the room. At the head of the room were two curule chairs one of gold and the other of silver, both adorned with ivory and jewels.

Marcello took his seat on the benches and looked at the frescoes on the stone walls. Then someone sat next to him and it was the last person he would have wanted it to be.

"Good morning Senator Patriarco." said Prefect Morbidelli extending his hand.

"This morning is anything, but good, Prefect." Marcello replied refusing to shake the hand of the Prefect. Morbidelli retracted his hand as Marcello continued, "Because Prefect Morbidelli we are going to grant Imperium to someone who aims to ruin traditions that I hold very dear."

"Even if those traditions hurt the people on the street?"

"Then those traditions are poorly misunderstood by those who claim to be hurt."

"Well Senator we will have to disagree on that."

The last few senators took their seats and Marcello rose, "His Imperial Majesty, Imperator Caesar Waylon Decimus Augustus."

The emperor walked in wearing an all purple toga followed by two guards dressed in Tiburian armor and they were carrying fasces made of ebony rods bound with criss-crossing bands of silver and a silver axe. The emperor took his seat on the golden curule seat. "Today Talemaniki has a new prefect. We are here today to grant him Imperium as Consul." The emperor motioned for Morbidelli to step forward and he did. "All those in favor." Every senator stood. "All those opposed." No one stood.

The emperor stood and approached Morbidelli. "With the approval of the senate you are now invested with the authority of Consul." A steward carried a golden chain and handed it to the emperor. "Wear this collar as a symbol of your office and take your seat as Consul."

Both men stepped forward the two curule chairs with Morbidelli taking the silver chair to the right of the Emperor's golden chair.

 

[Taley]

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Grande Palazzo di Talemaniki

His Imperial Majesty, Imperator Caesar Waylon Decimus Augustus,
cordially invites you to attend the Consular Ball to celebrate the
elevation of Ruberto Morbidelli as Consul of Talemaniki, at the
Great Palace of Talemaniki.​

[OOC: This invitation is also sent to socialist nations like Carentania and Vangala.]

 

[Taley]

AUGUSTUS​

"Majesty the chandelier is almost done." the Imperial Secretary Aurelia Vasario asked the Empress. Imperial Secretary was the fancy title for the empress's personal assistant; the one who actually made the Court of St. Horace work with precision. In Talemantine politics there were two types of power hard and soft. Hard power was the more familiar of the two, the legal powers of state exercised through an elected leader, military dictator, or, in Talemantros sake, the divine sovereign. But with the hard power there was the equally strong soft power; power that is inherent or inferred. Power that greases the wheels of government and society, the men behind the scenes of state. This was the power that people like Empress Marie held over Talemaniki and Aurelia's position was one of the few great exercises of that soft power.

Now Marie von Nareth, Empress of the Talemantine Empire, Princess of Arendaal, was the prefect woman to exercise Talemantine soft power. It had been almost sixty years since she came to Talemaniki to marry the young dashing emperor. What had started out as a meeting of acquaintances into a deep love that have kept the two partners together though the many years becoming as stable as the pillars that held up the palace ceilings. Now over eighty her golden blond locks have given way to gray and silver as lite wrinkles ran along the lines of her face, but she had aged gracefully as only Aren women could do.

Marie was staring at the ground lost in her thoughts, staring at the mosaics that spread beneath her feat and across the expansive hall displaying scenes of victories of Horace the Great when he united the Tiburan Empire for the last time and of his ascension to heaven. These mosaics were some of the oldest parts of the palace originally built for Emperor Horace I when he moved the Tiburan capital to Talemaniki and began the palace. The mosaics stretched across the width and length of the large hall that was the Throne Room. The Throne Room was at the center of the palace, a room with white marble walls with decorative mirrors and silver and crystal lamps and frescoes depicting important scenes from Talemantine history; along the walls were gold and silver gilded columns rising to the ceiling. The ceiling itself was its own work of art, leafed with gold and silver patterns with three golden, crystal chandeliers along the length with the middle one larger than the two on either end. At the head of the room was the throne. Sitting on a five-stepped dais the throne was an ivory curule throne studded with diamonds with a golden imperial eagle embroidered on the white satin back. On the wall behind the throne was a large Imperial Emblem gilded in gold and silver; above was a large satin and velvet canopy with gold embroidery. Both the cloth on the dais and the canopy was a deep purple with small silver embroidered imperial eagles. Unlike most monarchs' throne there was only one chair in the dais for the emperor. There were two identical smaller thrones similar to the emperor's that would be placed on either side of the throne for the Caesar on the right and the Empress on the left, but those were now left in the jeweler's room.

"Augusta?" Aurelia asked again jogging the empress back from her thoughts.

"Yes Aurelia?"

"Majesty the chandelier will be done withing the next couple of hours." Vasario look to the center of the grand room where a large velvet rug was laid where the central chandelier had been lowed to the floor and nearly thirty men and women in stewards' uniforms were polishing the crystal on the chandelier.

"See Aurelia, my husband is not the only one here that commands an army." The empress gave a sly smile as she walked over to one of the eighteenth century benches placed along the sides of the wall and sat. "So lets review the the itinerary for the Gala."

"Madam first there will be a reception in the throne room, where the Consul will greet the guests as they are shown into throne room. His majesty will enter later and give a welcoming speech. Then the gala will move to the grand dinning room for a five-course meal and the Consul will give a speech. Following the meal the event will move to the ballroom for musical entertainment."

"Good, how many people will be attending?"

"Close to six hundred Augusta."

"The guest list. Who will be coming?"

"We have received replies from all the senators and their spouses as well as the members of the consistory. A few leaders of the Holy Synod, but His holiness will be unable to attend. Foreign guests include the Grand Duke and Duchess of Potenza and their family will be in attendance as well as other dignitaries and diplomatic representatives. Prince Florian will be attending with Crown Prince Andrej and the Altaic Ambassador."

The empress hid the slight frown with the last names. "What of the ministers from Carentania and Vangala and the other countries adhering to their ideology?"

"I am unsure Augusta. They remain on the lists and they have not sent word that they have changed their minds about attending. I can only assume that they will be in attendance."

"Well then we will prepare in case. Have the chef send a copy of the menu to my apartments, that is all Aurelia." Marie said dismissing her secretary.

 

[Taley]

[OOC: This gala part is supposed to happen before the peace conference in the palace next door]

Consul​

"Well Efisio what do you think of our party?" Ruberto mused to his friend.

"It is a travesty Ruberto. The de Vesci's live in this opulence while the people outside live in poverty and struggle to make it to each day. We were chosen to look out for the people. Now we are here." Efisio quietly ranted.

"Will the two of you be quiet. Tonight is to honor us." retorted Elena. Elena was Ruberto's elegant wife.

"Honor us? We are servants of the people and all this money can be put to better use. This isn't honoring us; it is an insult."

"Then it is the nicest insult I've ever seen Efisio and I'll be damned if the two of you ruin this night for me." Elena gave both men a look. "So I don't care how you feel, but you will bare it with a smile, understand me?" His wife was the only person that Ruberto was afraid of and Efisio was smart enough to not cross her as well. Now they stood in their tuxes at the receiving line as the guests to the gala were announced and shown into the throne room.

Caesar​

Horace was looking in the mirror in the imperial antechamber room behind the throne. Through the doors was the throne room with everyone gathered to celebrate the new consul even though he was a socialist. Horace was wearing the imperial court uniform, reserved for members of the imperial family, with a white button-down high-collar jacket with silver oak-leaf embroidery on the chest, cuffs and long tails; white trousers with silver stripes. A purple satin sash was wrapped around his waist with a decorated sword on his belt toward his left. The purple sash of the Order of St. Horace draped over his right shoulder to the left side of his waist. Medals of his service in the Aren Guard and other military divisions and regiments the prince was a member of hung over the left side of his chest. He was making sure everything was in its proper place from his hair to his shoes.

"Horace ready?" The woman was

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, the Dowager Caesarissa and Grand Duchess of Stockholm and Horace's mother. She was wearing her pale blue evening gown, diamond necklace and tiara. She was straightening the sash over his shoulder.

"It is a simple gala mother. Everything will go smoothly."

"Horace tonight is your first event as the Caesar of this empire, the first Caesar since your father was assassinated. The eyes of the nation will be on you as is the world. You must embody the state and its people."

Horace knew this very well and as he and his brothers and sister were to join the evening festivities. He could no longer be the "party prince" as the media called him. Tonight he was Caesar.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, His Most August Highness, Horace Caesar." the announce said as Horace walked into the room.

 

[Potenza]

It had been a long time since Eldizio I, Grand Duke of Potenza, had entered the Talemantine Empire, and this was the first time he was doing so with the entire Visconti household, who had been invited. He was there in the bright blue and red uniform that the Visconti had worn since the days of Francis I. Though he wore no crown, at his side, sheathed, was the ceremonial sword of Potenzan grand dukes, the great sword Alexandria. The Grand Duke's wife, the Grand Duchess Aldone, was beside him, with her hair dun up into a bun in the back. She wore a white dress with a tinge of gold, with a blossoming skirt that went down to her feet and showed an array of ruffles.

With the couple were their two sons and only daughter. Drago, the 26-year old heir to the Visconti household and the throne of the grand duchy, came in the lead of the Visconti children, right behind his parents and towards the side of his father. On his body was a more plain style of uniform than that of his father, and on his face was a look of trepidation, as if deathly worried about this event. He hated these royal events, because he was always worried he would do something completely wrong, causing his father to sternly correct him afterward. Even at their accommodation, when they were preparing for the event, the grand duke had told his son: "Don't do anything foolish. We are not at a birthday for a count, we're seeing the new emperor himself. Keep in mind when you take over from me, this emperor will be your ally. What you do tonight will carry on into your reign. Don't make yourself appear the buffoon."

Behind Drago was his younger brother, Angiolo. A little more rambunctious than his elder brother, Angiolo wore his uniform with pride and was enjoying the view of the surroundings. He had, however, taken up the annoying habit of asking his heir sibling when the Talemantines planned to feed them, which would earn him a stern look from Drago as if to say, "Don't make me kill you."

Behind the two boys were the Countess Giovanna, accompanied by her husband the Count Gavino of the Torriani house. Gavino was not of Visconti blood, but Eldizio treated him with proper respect due to a son-in-law, as Gavino had always treated Giovanna with great respect due a wife. Gavino was in many ways the complete opposite of his older brother, Guido. Whereas Guido was bitter towards the Visconti, Gavino had a great deal of antipathy in regards to past grievances. Whereas Guido tended to be a recluse at times, Gavino was very open and public about himself, and was not afraid of interacting with a great number of people. In like manner, just as Eldizio did not desire to have Guido around when affairs of state were pressing, Eldizio fully trusted Gavino to attend Visconti events and not use anything said or done against the ruling house.

While Gavino wore the more traditional dark green uniform of Torriani nobility, his wife Giovanna was wearing a modest blue dress that covered her from neck to toe (one could easily tell her father had been the one to pick the outfit). As they walked together, she clung to her husband's arm and pressed herself against him, as if fearing to be separated from him. She was well known back in Potenza for her horrible stuttering problem that often left her near unable to talk, but few outside the grand duchy were aware. Gavino was good enough to take over conversations for her, and often when people asked her questions, he would answer for her, or have her whisper something to him which he could then repeat aloud. She was, however, an otherwise intelligent and sweet young woman, and even the most staunchest enemies of the Visconti felt no true ill will for her.

The Visconti family were announced as they were led into the throne room. Aldone clasped her hands, saying in her usual soft voice, "Oh my! So beautiful! I do wish we had such glamour back in San Salvo!"

"Yes indeed," said the grand duke rather dismissively. He turned towards Drago and Angiolo: "Now remember, boys, behave yourselves. Especially you, Angiolo."

 

[Natal]

“So, are you ready?” Florian asked Andrzej as they were entering the Palace slowly advancing towards the throne room.

“For the gala itself, no problem. Representing Altai in the gala, a little difficult.”

“You’ll be OK don’t worry.” Said Florian smiling to encourage his stepson. Andrzej was wearing again a black jacked with black pants and still another black tie. His shirt was the only thing of him that was white. Florian observed that Andrzej like dark colors, especially for his clothes, but after 16 years of living together, he has used with his habits.

As they continued their walk, they arrived behind the Potenzans, who were preparing to enter. After they were announced, Andrzej, Florian, and Dorin Sukhomlin the Altaic Ambassador followed.

Andrzej didn’t know what Florian was planning nor going to do this evening, but he had to do a favor for Tatyana. He was to see if Florian was still, how she put it: “Her husband, or Waylon’s boy?” And where would he stand, as an Altaic Prince-consort, or as a simply refugee that ran to his father?

Sukhomlin’s mission was more complex. By the orders of Chancellor Karin and the Czarina, he was to befriend the prefect and his socialist friends. Karin was thinking that the prefect was only the first move of the Socialists. If Morbidelli was still the first move, this meant that the empire was now a powder keg and the socialists will be the fuse that will make it explode. The current relation of the Principality with the Empire was so cold that every friend inside the country will be a valuable ally.

 

[Taley]

Bishop​

"His Excellent Right Reverend, the Bishop Alexis of Cavossa, Chancellor of the Consistory."

As he was announced Alexis Florioli entered the throne room. He was one of the three most powerful men in the realm blurring the lines between church and state. Wearing the traditional Orthodox cassock the only ornaments on his clothing were his jeweled pectoral cross, the gold collar of the Chancellor, and a small jeweled cross on the front of his black klobuk. Also as Dean of the Imperial Chaplains he was in charge of all the priests that served the spiritual needs of the imperial family giving him unprecedented access to the ruling family.

Entering the room he shook hands with Consul Morbidelli and congratulated him on his electoral success and then moved on to mingle with the crowd. He stood near Saturnino Burti, Secretary of Intelligence. "Saturnino it seems our new Consul is a hit with the guests." he asked the Talemantine spyman.

"It still is a novelty of the day, but there are more interesting things to see in the room. Look as the Despot of Cilicia is being slightly shunned by the nobles in the room with only the elected senators speaking with him. His leanings at court during the war garnering the emperor to restrain the military from doing what they really wanted to in that country. Many think the army could be in Altaisk by now without his interference, but the war will soon be over."

"It is still unsure where his loyalties lay."

"Well chancellor we certainly can do something to reassure his allegiances."

 

[Potenza]

As the Visconti house moved along with everyone else, Angiolo poked his brother in the side of his uniform:

"Drago, they say that Her Royal Highness Theodora is currently available - perhaps you should pursue her."

A visible shade of red fell upon Drago's cheeks, and he gave his brother a slight shove, "Don't be stupid - what would I have to do with her?"

"You're not altogether loathsome. Besides, it's been a while since the emperors and dukes wed." He leaned over and whispered into Drago's ear, "And any way, I might pursue her, if you resist."

Drago gave his brother another shove - one far less subtle, which drew the attention of his father, who simple glared at the two boys coldly. Aldone, ever the pacifying wife, ran her arm up the grand duke's sleeve, "Darling, not here - not in front of the Talemantine, please."

Drago turned back to his brother and said in a low voice, "You'll make a fool of all of us."

Angiolo shrugged, "The throne is not mine to inherit, but yours - what care have I about the manners of court? The nation looks at you, not me, brother."

 

[Taley]

Augustus​

The Dowager Caesarissa Elisa was making the rounds through the crowd, meeting and greeting as many as she could like the rest of the royalty. Soon the Emperor would arrive and give a few words before the dinner would begin followed by entertainment. There many factions in the room the socialists and the reformists coalesced around Consul Morbidelli, Florioli over with the government ministers, the Senators all stuck together except for the socialists who hung their their ideological father, and the military officers where scattered through the room. Elisa's job was to entertain the visiting dignitaries while the politicians tried to hammer out business. This was when Elisa came upon the Potenzan Grand Duke and Duchess.

"Your Royal Highness's, I am so glad you were able to attend our traditional gala in honor of our new consul. While this night is one of glorious pageantry you should visit to see the palace and the city at one of the great celebrations of this realm. It truly is a sight to behold with events much larger than this; unseen in many capitals."

Elisa continued to talk with Aldone and Eldizio over many small things that are used to fill the air. "Ah you highness I do believe that you have yet to meet my daughter, Theodora." Elisa called out to her daughter who was not far from her and motioned for her to come close with her gloved hand. Theodora was one of the prized of the Empire with her golden hair done up in braids crowned with a diamond diadem. She wore a white strapless evening gown with silver embroidery and a blue sapphire necklace from the crown jewels. In the public eye Theodora was the epitome of innocence, grace, charm, and everything that was good about the monarchy. The church also pictured her as the poster child of chastity. She was everything people thought, but innocent, however, no one knew. Theodora was surrounded by a group of men her age dressed in evening wear, sons of senators, a military officer, all potential suitors for the eldest grand daughter of the emperor. With hew innocent smile she walked away from the group to answer her mother.

"Let me introduce her imperial highness, Theodora, Grand Princess of the Empire. Mia figlia è questo il Granduca e la Granduchessa di Potenza e il loro figlio conte Drago.*"

Theodora smiled and greeted each of them. "E 'la mia gioia di incontrarmi con voi." **

*"My daughter this is the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Potenza and their son Count Drago."
**"It my delight to meet you."

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

"I've never felt so uncomfortable in my entire life."

Commissar Mejic had been invited to the Consular Ball on behalf of the Workers' Republic, but that had changed little about the icy relations between the Talemantine Empire and Carentania. The representative of the socialist country and his wife remained aliens amidst the royals and dignitaries of the Empire and if it weren't for Consul Morbidelli, none of the Carentanians had attended. Talemantros was at war, attempting to extend its reach into Altai and naturally, the Workers' Republic was more than just opposed to this move. Worse, the Kyivan-Talemantine axis that was developing made the Carentanians convinced that, once Altai falls, the Talemantines will once again direct their attention to the Jurzan. Amidst these troubled times, the Talemantines had elected a socialist Consul and even though Commissar Mejic retained his doubts about working within the imperial framework of Talemantros, he respected that it was Morbidellis decision to make and the least the Carentanians could do would be to make the effort in hopes to strengthen the position of a political movement that could undermine the imperialism of the Talemantine Empire.

"We can get back to the plane any time you want. But I want to at least get something to eat before we return to Rijeka."

Dusan Mejic looked at his wife and smiled. Her pragmaticism had always endeared her to him.

"Well, maybe I should talk to the Consul before we do that. He's the one we're here for, after all."

The couple walked over to greet the newly inaugurated Talemantine official, ignoring the many other dignitaries in the room. With a firm handshake, Commissar Mejic introduced himself and his wife. They both changed their expression the moment they approached the man, exchanging their facade of annoyed boredom for a sincere and bright smile. Morbidelli was probably the only individual at the entire ball that could rely on some form of respect or mere treatment as humans by the Carentanias and this only because of his political leanings. It remained to be seen whether or not he could meet the expectations by the Commissar.

"Mr. Morbidelli. A pleasure to meet you. I'm here to let you know that you have the full support of the Workers' Republic and we look forward to seeing how your efforts can change the Talemantine Empire. It is our mutual goal to prevent the further rise of a spirit within the Empire that seeks to subjugate its neighbours and is willing to shed any amount of blood to pursue its goals. Together, I hope, we can build a peaceful Himyar. I also do bring news from different organizations in Carentania, including the Union of Communist Workers - our largest labor union - which hope to organize cooperation on a non-government level. You symbolize great hope for the people of Talemantros. The ordinary people, the workers and the unemployed, the minorities, oppressed and persecuted. If there is anything we can do to fulfill this promise of change you represent, let us know."

 

[Potenza]

Aldone clasped her hands as the Dowager Caesarissa Elisa spoke of great celebrations, "Oh, that sounds so marvelous. I do think we will have to come back. What do you say, darling?"

"Yes, yes," said Eldizio, clearing his throat, "another time, for most certain. We might have to arrange it at a future date however." The Visconti grand dukes were often hesitant about being outside the country one too many times - there was always a nagging fear that one of the other houses would take up shop while they were away.

As the conversation continued, the Dowager Caesarissa suddenly said, "Ah your highness, I do believe that you have yet to meet my daughter, Theodora." Drago, who had been standing in the background looking a tad bit bored, suddenly showed life in his eyes. At the sight of the grand princess, with her golden hair and lovely gown, his cheeks grew visibly red, and he suddenly took on the air of sheepishness.

At Theodora's utterance of, "E 'la mia gioia di incontrarmi con voi," the Grand Duke and Duchess bowed politely. Eldizio said in his native Tiburan:

"An honor to meet you, your royal highness. My wife and I are pleased to have been invited tonight, as are my children. Speaking of children..." Eldizio rested his hand on his sword and turned, saying to his firstborn son and heir, "Drago, where are your manners? Come and introduce yourself."

Drago gave a light jump and walked forward. He was not good with women - he had little experience in romance and few of the Potenzan countesses interested him (Giovanna's sister-in-law downright frightened him). However, as a cowardly soldier can be a killing machine thanks to his training, so too did Drago proceed with what court tutors had instructed him to do in times such as this.

"Your Royal Highness," he began, saying with assurance a line he had often practiced, "I am the Count Drago di Visconti of the Grand Duchy of Potenza, and it is my most esteemed pleasure to meet you." He waited until she had offered her hand (a gentlemanly thing to do) to shake it, and before doing so took off his glove, something taught to him by the court tutors. The thought entered his mind that perhaps this was only a manner of Potenzan courts and not in other lands, but he quickly dismissed the worry (or at least tried to do so). His eyes casually glanced to the large men around her, and his heart sank a bit. If he really was supposed to attempt any courtship, as Angiolo so aggravatingly put it, he was obviously late in the game, and outnumbered.

 

[Natal]

Andrzej and Sukhomlin left Florian to talk with the senators. He approached the De Vesci family. After the formal greetings went to Sebastiano.

“I still do not understand why the fu… why did our relations cooled so much because this action, this war. Our parent’s fight. I mean it is their lives, their actions, their doing. Even if I can be called utopist for saying this, they shouldn’t intervene between us. And even if it does we should minimize it. I’m sorry if this conflict has brought tensions between you and Ludwig, as I seen that you too didn’t talk very much in the last days of school.”

Andrzej now saw that the Talemantine nobles didn’t talked to him, or more likely even avoided by them. Well, now it will be clear that if Florian would choose Talemantros over Altai and his father over his wife, many people here won’t accept him; why would they? Why would someone accept someone who leaves his wife without saying anything and ran to his dad? He though.

In the meantime, Sukhomlin wanted to talk with Morbidelli, but he saw that the Carentanian, Dusan Mejic arrived earlier and now talked with the prefect. He approached Morbidelli and Mejic but still waited for the Commissar to finish.

 

[Taley]

Augustus​

"And it is my pleasure to meet you." Theodora replied sweetly letting her hand linger in Drago's not to long, but just long enough to keep up the interest. He was as handsome as some had rumored him to be, especially Caterina Valli, the daughter of the Talemantine envoy to Potenza. He was dashing, but lacked that air of confidence that the men of the Talemantine aristocracy held, that charisma her brother had when they walked in a room as if they owned it. Drago was shy and Caterina had once said he wasn't too bright in many things, so what if Drago wasn't the sharpest book in the library, Horace definitely wasn't the holiest Christian in the cathedral and one day he was going to be the protector of the church, so Drago had the potential. It would be interesting to see how he would turn out with a little work. "Perhaps Drago you should save me a dance following dinner." She let her hand trace along the length of his arm before flashing an innocent smile and walking away to join one of her brothers.

Meanwhile across the room Sebastiano was talking with Andrej. "Andrej we have been family far longer than your mother has been on the throne and for even longer has my home been in an antagonistic relationship with Altai. This conflict is beyond either of us and will end or continue regardless of what either you or I feel. We are family Andrej and nothing will change that."

Then they were interrupted by Prince Luciano. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, "You two look so glum. You need to lighten up, this is a party cousin and brother and the two of you need to begin to enjoy yourselves. As for me I'm going to speak with Felicia." Sebastiano rolled his eyes as Lucian left them to chat with one of the ladies of the court.

 

[Potenza]

Drago's eyes shot up a bit, hearing the quiet invitation for a dance, and his cheeks grew red again as he watched her hand glide gently along her arm. As she walked away, Drago's mother said, "Such a sweet young lady," but he didn't hear it, watching instead Theodora walk away, admiring the movement of her dress as she did so. All of a sudden, at once, nothing mattered except her. That smile she had given him replayed in his mind over and over again, and those words echoed across his thoughts, as if trying to retain the feeling of when she had first said them.

It was all broken when Angiolo walked over and whispered in his brother's ear, "I think she's fond of you." Drago felt an eye twitch as he muttered a curt, "Shut up."

Behind the group, Giovanna, who was still clutching her husband's arm, poked him in the side and motioned towards the departing Theodora.

"Oh yes," Gavino replied, "her dress was very lovely. Your brother did very well, too."

"H...h...he...he bl...bl...bl...bl...bl...bl..." Giovanna sighed and started patting her cheeks. Gavino laughed and said:

"Yes, I saw that. He's a shy one, I can tell. I think my sister made him scared of women. I'm amazed my brother didn't make you scared of men."

Giovanna smiled, saying, "No, no no no no no no..." She entered a giggling fit, burying her face into her husband's arm. He lifted her chin up and said in a quiet voice:

"Well then, since you're not afraid...perhaps you should save me a dance, following dinner."

Eldizio turned, catching notice of his daughter and her husband. A soft smile crept over his lips as he studied the scene, and he felt his heart strangely warmed. He glanced over as he felt a gloved hand over his sleeve, and he saw that his wife was still impressed by the scenery.

"It is so beautiful here," Aldone said in her usual soft voice, clasping her hands together, "oh I wish we could bring such luxury back home."

"These people are lucky," Eldizio replied, taking one of his wife's arms, "centuries upon centuries of empire and glory. Potenza had nothing but war and strife until about two-hundred years ago. You might say we have a bit of catching up to do. The question is if we're mature enough to do so, yet."